_Billaud Varennes._ Yet must we not suppose The tyrant will fall tamely. His sworn hireling Henriot, the daring desperate Henriot, Commands the force of Paris. I denounce him. 10 _Freron._ I denounce Fleuriot too, the mayor of Paris. _Enter DUBOIS CRANCÉ._ _Dubois Crancé._ Robespierre is rescued. Henriot at the head Of the arm'd force has rescued the fierce tyrant. _Collot d'Herbois._ Ring the tocsin--call all the citizens To save their country--never yet has Paris 15 Forsook the representatives of France. _Tallien._ It is the hour of danger. I propose This sitting be made permanent. [_Loud applauses._ _Collot d'Herbois._ The National Convention shall remain Firm at its post. 20 _Enter a_ Messenger. _Messenger._ Robespierre has reach'd the Commune. They espouse The tyrant's cause. St. Just is up in arms! St. Just--the young ambitious bold St. Just Harangues the mob. The sanguinary Couthon Thirsts for your blood. [_Tocsin rings._ 25 _Tallien._ These tyrants are in arms against the law: Outlaw the rebels. _Enter MERLIN OF DOUAY._ _Merlin._ Health to the representatives of France! I past this moment through the arméd force-- They ask'd my name--and when they heard a delegate, 30 Swore I was not the friend of France. _Collot d'Herbois._ The tyrants threaten us as when they turn'd The cannon's mouth on Brissot. _Enter another_ Messenger. _Second Messenger._ Vivier harangues the Jacobins--the Club Espouse the cause of Robespierre. 35 _Enter another_ Messenger. _Third Messenger._ All's lost--the tyrant triumphs. Henriot leads The soldiers to his aid.--Already I hear The rattling cannon destined to surround This sacred hall. _Tallien._ Why, we will die like men then. The representatives of France dare death, 40 When duty steels their bosoms. [_Loud applauses._ _Tallien (addressing the galleries)._ Citizens! France is insulted in her delegates-- The majesty of the Republic is insulted-- Tyrants are up in arms. An arméd force Threats the Convention. The Convention swears 45 To die, or save the country! [_Violent applauses from the galleries._ _Citizen (from above)._ We too swear To die, or save the country. Follow me. [_All the men quit the galleries._ _Enter another_ Messenger.